Home remedies for white heads Part - 2

Whiteheads, also called closed comedones are a type of acne due to skin pores clogged with dirt trapped, dead skin and sebum. They are usually present on cheeks, forehead, temple and nose. They are identical to blackheads but are like small yellow or white bumps formed below the surface of closed pours. Blackheads are dark in color being exposed to oxygen.

People having overactive sebaceous glands besides excess sebum production are more prone to have whiteheads. This usually happens because of hormonal changes or genetic factors.

However, white heads are more usual in acne- prone skin as the cells lining the pores are stickier, thus promoting clogged pores.

Some of the remedies to get rid of white heads are:-

• Baking Soda – Baking soda is good for gentle exfoliation of oil, dead skin cells and dirt from the skin. It also helps in maintaining the skin’s pH balance.Mix a little water in one teaspoon baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply it on the affected area and wash it off after a few minutes. Repeat it two or three times a week until you are satisfied with the results. (If you sensitive skin then avoid using baking soda)

• Oatmeal-As oatmeal is slightly abrasive in nature, it works like a natural exfoliate also to get rid of accumulated dead skin and dirt. It also absorbs the excess oil and opens the pores.
  Mix two tablespoons of yogurt, one tablespoon of lemon juice and honey both, and four tablespoons of powdered oatmeal. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can also be added. Dampen the skin and then apply the paste on the face. Leave it for 20 minutes and rinse off.Alternatively, apply a simple paste of powdered oatmeal mixed with water. Leave it for 10 minutes and then scrub it off to exfoliate your skin, minimize pores and reduce blackheads. Follow any of these remedies once or twice a week on a regular basis.

• Lemon Juice- Being rich in alpha hydroxyl acids, lemon juice helps in exfoliating the skin and also facilitates cell generation. It also helps in getting rid of excess oil due to its astringent properties.Dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and apply the juice on the face. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then wash the face with cold water. Do this daily before going to bed for at least a few months.
• Sugar Scrub – A homemade sugar scrub works wonders for skin. It helps in exfoliating the skin to remove excess oil and debris trapped in the pores without having any dryness.Mix together one tablespoon of sugar and honey both. Apply it on the face and gently massage in circular motions. Leave it for a few minutes. Wipe it off using a wet washcloth and then wash the face.Repeat it once or twice a week regularly.
• Apple Cider Vinegar- Apple Cider Vinegar works as an astringent and removes excess oil from the skin. Also, it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in fighting acne.Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Apply it on the face using a cotton ball. Leave it on for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.One more option is to mix one part apple cider vinegar with three parts cornstarch. Spread it on your face. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it off. Clean your face with cold water, rinse to close the pores.Use any of the remedies daily or a few times a week until you get encouraging results.